JP2016503140A - Inter-event control method for colonization system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for controlling corona discharge. The driver circuit provides energy to the colony igniter and detects any arc formation. As required, in response to each arc formation, the energy supplied to the coronator is interrupted for a short time to dissipate the arc. As the arc dissipates, energy is again applied to restore the corona discharge. The driver circuit obtains information about the corona discharge, such as the timing and number of arc formations. Based on the information, the control unit adjusts the energy supplied to the coronator, the cutoff time, and the duration of the corona event. The adjusted energy level and duration are applied during subsequent corona events. For example, the voltage level can be reduced or the cut-off time can be increased to limit arc formation and increase the magnitude of the corona discharge during subsequent corona events.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications This US utility patent application is filed with US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 740,781 filed on December 21, 2012 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 filed on December 21, 2012. No. 740,796, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to a colonization system and a method for controlling corona discharge and arc formation provided by a colonization system.

2. Related Art Corona discharge ignition systems provide alternating voltages and currents that rapidly and continuously reverse high and low potential electrodes. These systems include a colony igniter that has electrodes charged to a high radio frequency potential and generates a strong radio frequency electric field in the combustion chamber. The electric field causes ionization in a part of the mixture of fuel and air in the combustion chamber to initiate dielectric breakdown and promote combustion of the air-fuel mixture. During typical operation of a corona discharge ignition system, the electric field is ideally controlled so that the air-fuel mixture retains its dielectric properties and a corona discharge, also called non-thermal plasma, occurs. The ionized part of the mixture forms a flame front that then becomes autonomous and burns the rest of the mixture. Corona discharges have a low current and can provide a robust ignition without requiring a large amount of energy and without causing significant wear to the physical components of the ignition system.

  In a corona ignition system, good ignition characteristics are due to corona discharge that spreads in large numbers with a large number of filaments or streamers. If too much energy is applied to the coronator, the corona discharge can reach far enough from the high voltage source to reach a grounded engine component. At this time, a conductive path called an arc is formed to the grounded component. Arc formation involves relatively high currents, thus concentrating ignition energy in a very limited volume and reducing ignition efficiency. It is typically desirable to avoid this situation. Conversely, since there is no direct way to determine the amount of corona discharge, it is difficult to ensure that the coronator is provided with enough energy to produce a sufficiently large corona.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the present invention provides a colonization system for controlling the volume and duration of a corona discharge on an event-to-event basis. The system includes a corona igniter that receives energy and provides a corona discharge during multiple corona events. Each corona event has a duration that extends continuously from the start time to the stop time.

  The driver circuit provides energy to the coronator during a corona event, the energy including at least one of a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined current level. The driver circuit also obtains information regarding the corona discharge of at least one corona event. This information includes the timing of the occurrence of arc formation relative to the start time of the corona event, the duration between the occurrences of two consecutive arc formations, the number of occurrences of arc formation over the period during the corona event, and the stop time of the corona event. And at least one of a voltage level and a current level supplied to the coronator at the stop time of the corona event.

  The control unit receives information about the corona discharge from the driver circuit and adjusts at least one of the stored predetermined voltage level and the predetermined current level based on the information related to the corona discharge. The driver circuit then applies at least one of the adjusted predetermined voltage level and the adjusted predetermined current level to the coronator during at least one subsequent corona event. The adjusted level is not provided before the stop time of at least one corona event for which information has been obtained.

  Another aspect of the present invention provides a colonization system in which the driver circuit detects any occurrence of arc formation and does not provide energy to the colony igniter in the duration immediately following any occurrence of arc formation. The duration of time during which no energy is supplied to the coronator is predetermined, and the control unit adjusts this predetermined duration based on information relating to corona discharge. The driver circuit applies a predetermined duration adjusted to at least one subsequent corona event. The adjusted duration is not applied before the stop time of at least one corona event for which information was obtained.

  Yet another aspect of the invention provides a coronation system in which the duration of a corona event is predetermined and the control unit adjusts the predetermined duration of the corona event based on information about the corona discharge. The adjusted duration of the corona event is not applied before the end time of at least one corona event for which information was obtained.

  Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a colonization system on an inter-event basis. The method includes providing energy to a coronator in a plurality of corona events, the energy including at least one of a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined current level, each corona event ranging from a start time to a stop time. Includes continuous duration. The method also includes obtaining information regarding the corona discharge of the at least one corona event and adjusting at least one of the predetermined voltage level and the predetermined current level based on the information regarding the corona discharge. The method then applies at least one of the adjusted predetermined voltage level and the adjusted predetermined current level to the coronator during at least one subsequent corona event to obtain at least one of the information obtained. Includes not applying before the stop time of the corona event.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a colonization system on an event-to-event basis, detecting any occurrence of arc formation and energizing the colony igniter for a duration immediately following any occurrence of arc formation. Including the step of not providing. The duration during which no energy is provided to the coronator after each occurrence of arc formation is predetermined. The method further applies a predetermined time adjusted to a duration in at least one subsequent corona event and adjusting a predetermined duration during which no energy is provided to the coronator based on information about the corona discharge. , Not applying before the stop time of at least one corona event for which information was acquired.

  Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling a coronation system on an inter-event basis, wherein the duration of a corona event from a start time to a stop time is predetermined. The method adjusts the duration of a corona event based on information about the corona discharge and applies the adjusted duration to at least one subsequent corona event to obtain at least one corona event from which information was obtained. Not applied before the event stop time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages of the present invention will become better understood and will be readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: It will be.

1 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware of a colonization system for controlling corona discharge and arc formation according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a graph showing nine exemplary feedback signals that indicate the presence or absence of the occurrence of at least one arc formation during a single corona event relative to an enable signal that starts and stops corona events. 6 is a graph illustrating a feedback signal, an enable signal, and a command signal when only one arc formation is detected during a corona event. 6 is a graph illustrating a feedback signal, an enable signal, and a command signal when occurrence of a plurality of arc formations is detected during a corona event. FIG. 6 is a graph showing a feedback signal, an enable signal, and a command signal in an ideal case in which only one arc formation is detected at the end of a corona event. 6 is a graph illustrating a feedback signal, an enable signal, and a command signal when no arc formation is detected during a corona event. It is a graph which shows the decreasing rate for applying a voltage level with respect to the timing of the first generation of arc formation. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a simplified example of an inter-event voltage control method and an intra-event control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another simplified example of a method that includes both an inter-event and intra-event interrupt control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Possible Embodiments One aspect of the invention provides a colonization system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes a coronator 20 that provides a corona discharge 22, an engine control system 24, a control unit 26, a power source 28, and a driver circuit 30. One exemplary system is shown generally in FIG. To adjust the energy level of subsequent corona events or to adjust the duration of subsequent corona events in order to provide the maximum possible volume of corona discharge 22 under all operating conditions, the system Information about the corona discharge 22 of one or more corona events is used. The system can be stabilized for all operating conditions, including those where the breakdown of the corona discharge 22 to arc formation is unavoidable.

  In the exemplary system, engine control system 24 initiates the start of a corona event to ignite the fuel / air mixture in combustion chamber 32 of the internal combustion engine. Each corona event is a single continuous duration from the start time to the stop time, during which time the coronator 20 receives energy and provides a corona discharge 22. The control unit 26 illustratively reads the predetermined duration of the corona event from a table or map stored in the control unit 26 or engine control system 24. Initially, the predetermined duration is set as a function of operating conditions or engine parameters within the combustion chamber 32. Illustratively, the duration of the corona event ranges from 20 to 3,500 microseconds. However, the predetermined period stored in the control unit 26 or the engine control system 24 can be adjusted based on information about the corona discharge of the previous corona event to enhance the corona discharge 22, and so on. Is further described.

  The engine control system 24 initiates a corona event at the start time by conveying an enable signal 34 that activates the control unit 26 to the control unit 26. In this example, engine control system 24 also stops the corona event at the stop time by conveying a signal to stop control unit 26 to control unit 26. These steps are repeated for each corona event. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the engine control system 24 is separate from the control unit 26, but alternatively, the engine control system 24 can be combined with the control unit 26 in a single hardware. In addition, other components of the system can be combined in a variety of different ways.

  In response to the enable signal 34, the control unit 26 turns on the driver circuit 30 by conveying a command signal 36 to the driver circuit 30. The control unit 26 carries a power control signal 38 to the power supply 28 and instructs the power supply 28 to provide energy to the driver circuit 30 and finally reaches the colony igniter 20 at a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined current level. To do. Thus, the control unit 26 controls the energy provided to the colony igniter 20. In the exemplary system, the predetermined voltage level is in the range of 100-1500V, and the predetermined current level is in the range of 0.5-15A. Ideally, in the system of FIG. 1, the corona igniter 20 receives a high radio frequency voltage and current and provides a strong radio frequency electric field, ie, a corona discharge 22 in the combustion chamber 32. The ignition tip part 40 for discharging | emitting is provided.

  The control unit 26 illustratively reads a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined current level from a table or map stored in the control unit 26 or the engine control system 24. Initially, the predetermined voltage level and the predetermined current level are based on engine parameters or operating conditions within the combustion chamber 32. However, the predetermined level stored in the control unit 26 or engine control system 24 is adjusted based on information about previous corona events, as will be described below.

  Driver circuit 30 receives energy of a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined current level from power supply 28. In response to the command signal 36 from the control unit 26, the driver circuit 30 provides energy to the coronator 20 at a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined current level. The coronator 20 receives energy from the driver circuit 30 and emits a corona discharge 22. In an ideal situation, the corona discharge 22 will form rapidly in the combustion chamber 32 and grow to maximum volume. The maximum volume is the maximum possible volume that remains at the maximum volume until the end of the corona event without reaching the grounded part. Accordingly, the corona discharge 22 provides a high quality ignition by igniting a large amount of air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber 32.

  However, at some point during the corona event, the coronator 20 typically receives too much energy, and the corona discharge 22 becomes too large for the wall 42 of the combustion chamber 32 or the piston 44 to reciprocate within the combustion chamber 32. Such a grounded part will be reached. At this time, a conductive path called arc formation is formed between the colony igniter 20 and the grounded component. In other words, the corona discharge 22 changes to arc formation. Corona discharge 22 is preferred over arc formation because it can spread over a larger volume with a lower current and thus provide a higher quality ignition of the mixture.

  In one embodiment, any occurrence of arc formation in the combustion chamber 32 is immediately detected by the driver circuit 30. However, arc formation is not necessarily detected because corona events can occur without arc formation. An exemplary method used to detect the onset of arbitrary arc formation is described in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 438,116. This method does not rely on measuring current, voltage, or impedance parameters for the corona discharge 22. Rather, the method detects arc formation by identifying changes in the oscillation frequency at the resonant frequency, providing a clear detection in nanoseconds or microseconds, typically less than 2 μs. It is therefore an easy implementation that allows very quick feedback indicating the occurrence of arc formation. However, arc formation can be detected in other ways.

  When driver circuit 30 detects the occurrence of arc formation, driver circuit 30 communicates to control unit 26 a feedback signal 46 indicating the occurrence of arc formation. FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating nine exemplary feedback signals 46 that indicate one or more arc formations during a single corona event versus an enable signal 34 that initiates and stops the corona event. In one embodiment, in response to the feedback signal 46, the control unit 26 instructs the driver circuit 30 to stop the energy provided to the colony igniter 20 for a short duration immediately after the occurrence of arc formation. The signal 36 is transmitted to the driver circuit 30. This duration is illustratively predetermined and stored in the control unit 26. Thus, once arc formation is detected, the driver circuit 30 does not provide energy to the coronator 20 for the duration of time, so that arc formation is dissipated. Alternatively, if the engine operating conditions indicate so, the step of not providing energy to the coronator 20 for a short duration immediately after the occurrence of arc formation may be omitted, thereby causing arc formation until the end of the enable signal. May be continued.

  The control unit 26 illustratively reads from the table or map stored in the control unit 26 or engine control system 24 the predetermined duration during which no energy is provided to the colony igniter 20. Initially, the predetermined duration is based on engine parameters and operating conditions in the combustion chamber 32. In one embodiment, this time ranges from 10 to several hundred microseconds. However, the predetermined duration stored in the control unit 26 or the engine control system 24 can be adjusted based on information about the corona discharge of the previous corona event to further enhance the corona discharge 22 described below. .

  An exemplary method used to shut off the energy provided to the coronator 20 for a short duration is described in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 438,127. Upon initial detection, nothing is done to prevent the first occurrence of arcing, but the system takes action to prevent future arcing. In the exemplary method, the voltage required to maintain arc formation is much less than the voltage required to maintain corona discharge 22, and thus reducing the voltage applied to coronator 20 Because it is likely not to dissipate arc formation, energy is cut off immediately rather than being reduced in response to arc formation.

  After no duration of energy is provided to the corona igniter 20 and the arc formation is dissipated, the control unit 26 again instructs the driver circuit 30 to provide energy to the corona igniter 20 and restore the corona discharge 22. Energy is supplied to the igniter until arc formation occurs again. The steps of detecting arc formation, shutting off energy, and reapplying energy to the coronator 20 can be repeated for each corona event. However, as noted above, engine conditions may indicate that the step of shutting off energy is omitted after the occurrence of any arc formation, otherwise the inter-event control system and method will be described. Proceed as if.

  Upon detecting arc formation, the driver circuit 30 obtains information about the corona discharge 22 for arc formation. This information can be obtained either during or after the corona event. This information is more than just a “yes” or “no” result, which is used to infer information about the volume and time of the corona discharge 22. Information about the corona discharge 22 includes the timing of arc formation relative to the start time of the corona event, the time between two successive occurrences of the arc formation, the number of occurrences of arc formation over a period during the corona event, and the stop time of the corona event. It includes at least one of the following characteristics: timing of occurrence of arc formation, total number of occurrences of arc formation during a corona event, voltage level and / or current level supplied to corona igniter 20 at the stop time of the corona event. Driver circuit 30 preferably obtains information about corona discharge 22 for each corona event. If the step of interrupting the energy supply after the detection of arc formation is omitted, possible information about the corona discharge is the timing of arc formation relative to the start time of the corona event, the occurrence of arc formation relative to the stop time of the corona event And at least one of the characteristics of at least one of the voltage level and the current level supplied to the corona igniter 20 at the stop time of the corona event.

  The driver circuit 30 carries information about the corona discharge 22 in a feedback signal 46 to the control unit 26. This can be the same feedback signal 46 transmitted in response to detecting arc formation, or another signal. For example, one feedback signal 46 indicating the occurrence of arc formation can be sent during a corona event, and another feedback signal 46 containing information about the corona discharge 22 can be sent after the corona event. The at least one feedback signal 46 is illustratively sent at the end of the corona event, the timing of the occurrence of arc formation relative to the corona event stop time, the total number of occurrences of arc formation during the corona event, A voltage level and a current level supplied to the colony igniter 20 at the stop time.

  FIG. 3 illustrates a feedback signal 46, an enable signal 34 provided from the engine control system 24 to the control unit 26, and a driver circuit 30 when a corona event includes a single occurrence of arc formation and a cut-off time is used. 4 is a graph showing a command signal 36 provided from the control unit 26. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the feedback signal 46, the enable signal 34, and the command signal 36 when multiple arc formations are detected and interruption times are used during a single corona event.

  The control unit 26 is pre-stored in a table or map that is applied to future corona events to increase the volume and duration of the corona discharge 22 formed during future corona events, ie during inter-event control. Information about the corona discharge 22 is used, including information about arc formation. For example, the control unit 26 may use information regarding the corona discharge 22 of at least one corona event to adjust a predetermined voltage and current level provided to the coronator 20 in at least one subsequent corona event. it can. The control unit 26 can also use information from at least one corona event to adjust a predetermined time during which no energy is provided to the coronator 20 in at least one subsequent corona event. The control unit 26 can also use information from at least one corona event to adjust the duration between the start time and stop time of at least one subsequent corona event. The energy level or duration of the corona event is adjusted to achieve the maximum volume and duration of the corona discharge 22 in subsequent corona events.

  The control unit 26 uses the information to determine whether the energy supplied to the colony igniter 20 should be increased or decreased, and the control unit 26 adjusts the energy supplied to the driver circuit 30. The power supply 28 is instructed based on the information obtained to reduce the possibility of arc formation, at least until the very end of the corona event. In other words, in order to improve the size and / or duration of the corona discharge 22, the control unit 26 determines the energy supplied to the driver circuit 30 and ultimately to the corona igniter 20 based on information about the corona discharge 22. A power control signal 38 is transmitted to the power supply 28 instructing the power supply 28 to adjust the power, and the control unit 26 also adjusts the duration during which the driver circuit 30 provides energy to the colony igniter 20 or does not provide energy. Therefore, the timing of the command signal 36 to the driver circuit 30 can be adjusted.

  When the feedback signal 46 to the control unit 26 indicates that multiple arc formations occurred early in the corona event and repeated throughout the corona event, eg, traces 1-3 in FIGS. The control unit 26 then speculates that the voltage level provided to the coronator 20 is too high and should be reduced during subsequent corona events. Alternatively, the total duration of a corona event or the duration that energy is not provided to the coronator 20 can be increased. If the feedback signal 46 to the control unit 26 indicates that a single arc formation has occurred at the beginning of the corona event, such as trace 4 in FIG. Infer that the voltage level provided is too high and should be reduced during subsequent corona events. Alternatively, the duration during which no energy is provided to the colony igniter 20 can be increased. If the feedback signal 46 indicates that no arc formation has occurred, such as trace 9 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 6, the control unit 26 indicates that the voltage level provided to the coronator 20 is too low and the subsequent Infer that it should be increased to increase the volume of the corona discharge 22 during the corona event.

  If the first occurrence of arc formation is at the very end of the corona event, eg, traces 5-8 in FIGS. 2 and 5, the control unit 26 will ensure that the voltage level provided to the coronator 20 is within the correct range. I guess there is. In a preferred embodiment, the energy provided to the corona igniter 20 causes the corona igniter 20 to generate a corona discharge 22 immediately after the start time of the corona event and for the majority of the duration of the corona event. Voltage and current levels that allow 20 to provide the occurrence of only one arc formation following corona discharge 22 before the stop time of the corona event. In this case, in response to arc formation, the command signal 36 that instructs the driver circuit 30 to shut off the energy provided to the coronator 20 may be interrupted by an enable signal 34 that terminates the corona event. That is, arc formation occurs immediately before a predetermined stop time of the corona event. Trace 8 of FIGS. 2 and 5 shows the feedback signal 46 during this ideal situation. In this case, the control unit 26 speculates that the corona discharge 22 is at or very close to the maximum possible volume and therefore no adjustment to the energy provided to the coronator 20 is required.

  Illustratively, at least one of the voltage level and the current level is adjusted by a factor that depends on information about the corona discharge 22. The coefficients can be based on information from a single corona event or multiple corona events. For example, if arc formation is detected at or near the start of a corona event, or if the duration between successive occurrences of arc formation is short, arc formation is detected towards the end of the corona event or 1 The voltage level is reduced by a factor that is greater than if one arc formation was detected. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the reduction rate applied to the voltage level with respect to the timing of the first occurrence of arc formation. If arc formation is detected in the first half of the corona event, the coefficient is greater than if arc formation is detected in the second half of the corona event. If there is multiple arc formation in a single corona event, voltage level changes are cumulative. In each case, the voltage level, current level, and duration may be subject to restrictions that are defined depending on the particular system and operating conditions. In one embodiment, both the voltage level and the current level are adjusted by a factor, and the factor can be the same or different for the voltage level and the current level.

  In response to information about the corona discharge 22, the duration during which no energy is provided to the corona igniter 20 can also be adjusted by a factor based on the information about the corona discharge 22. This factor can be based on information from a single corona event or multiple corona events, which can be the same as or different from the factors used to adjust the voltage and current levels. For example, if the first occurrence of arc formation is very close to the start time, or if successive arc formations are in close proximity to each other, the duration during which no energy is provided to the coronator 20 is increased by a larger factor. The

  The systems and methods of the present invention may include control of intra-event criteria as needed. In this embodiment, the control unit 26 obtains information about the corona discharge 22 including information about arc formation during the corona event and improves the quality of the corona discharge 22 during the same corona event. During the event, at least one of voltage level, current level and duration is adjusted. For example, after a period of time when arc formation is detected and no energy is provided to the corona igniter 20, the method creates a strong corona discharge 22 and causes the corona igniter 20 to limit arc formation during the same corona event. Including providing a regulated energy level. If another occurrence of arc formation is detected, the control unit 26 again stops the energy supplied to the coronator 20 and adjusts the energy supplied following the coronator 20 during the same corona event.

  In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of the present invention control the corona discharge 22 on an intra-event and inter-event basis. For example, if the voltage level is adjusted one or more times during a corona event using an intra-event control method, the voltage level at the end of the corona event illustratively provides a strong corona discharge 22. Therefore, the control unit 26 obtains the voltage level at the end of the corona event and adjusts the predetermined voltage level stored in the map or table level accordingly. The regulated predetermined voltage level is then applied to the corona igniter 20 during at least one subsequent corona event to provide a strong corona discharge 22. The same steps can be performed to adjust the predetermined current level or the duration during which no energy is provided to the colony igniter 20.

  FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a simplified example of the colonization system of the present invention including inter-event control and control within any event. When the corona event begins, a predetermined voltage level is set. This voltage level is typically read from a table or map of values stored in the control unit 26 or engine control system 24. The predetermined voltage level depends on the operating conditions in the combustion chamber 32. In addition, the voltage reduction factor is set to zero, i.e. the voltage level has not yet been reduced.

  The control unit 26 sends a command signal 36 to the driver circuit 30 to enable the corona discharge 22 and a timer is started. The timer measures the duration of the active corona discharge 22 before arc formation is detected. The timer stops when the corona discharge 22 ends and the enable signal 34 from the engine control system 24 ends the corona event, or when arc formation is detected and a feedback signal 46 is sent to the control unit 26.

  In the system of FIG. 8, the detection of arc formation causes an interruption of the energy provided to the corona igniter 20 during a control time called the cut-off time and is applied depending on the duration of the corona discharge 22 before arc formation. Cause the voltage level to decrease. In addition, information about the number and proximity of any arc formation during the corona event is provided to the control unit 26.

  The timer stops upon detection of arc formation, thereby providing the duration of the corona discharge 22 prior to arc formation. The driver circuit 30 may be turned off using the command signal 36 to turn off the energy applied to the colony igniter 20, and the timing of this cutoff, called timer shutdown, begins. The cut-off time may be fixed, may be obtained from a map depending on the operating conditions, or may be adapted according to previously detected arc formation. Arc formation is recorded for feedback and diagnostic purposes, and the coefficients are changed, for example, according to an appropriate function, as shown, for example, in FIG. This function, however, can be varied from that shown in FIG. 7, and different functions can be used for different arc formation in the same corona event. Also, the function used to control the coefficient with respect to time may be different from that used to control the coefficient with respect to voltage or current.

  A control signal to the power supply 28 instructs the power supply 28 to provide a voltage level that is reduced according to a factor under externally set minimum and maximum values. This reduces the voltage level applied to the coronator 20 and thus reduces the voltage obtained at the igniter tip 40 when the driver circuit 30 is energized again. When the shut-off timer is complete, the colony igniter 20 is re-enabled and the operation of the colony igniter 20 continues. As shown in the diagram on the left side of FIG. 8, the enable signal 34 eventually interrupts the corona discharge 22 and processing between events occurs.

  FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating another simplified example of the colonization system of the present invention including inter-event and optional intra-event control. FIG. 9 illustrates the optimization of the interrupt time used to interrupt the coronator 20 once arc formation has been detected to allow arc formation to be dissipated and the corona discharge 22 to resume. Figure 3 shows how similar control methods can be applied. The system logic is the same as the system of FIG. 8 for voltage control, but in this case the factor is used to increase the cut-off time. Simultaneous control of cutoff time, applied voltage, or both may be applied to optimize corona discharge 22 on a time scale within the event.

  After the corona event, the final value of voltage level, current level, and / or break time, as well as the number and timing of arc formation, is detected and provided to control unit 26 via feedback signal 46 for feedback. Provided to the engine control system 24 via an interface 48. This data is processed and used as needed to change the initial values used in the next corona event, as shown in the left diagrams of FIGS. Thus, the control unit 26 or engine control system 24 can attempt to generate an optimal pattern of corona discharge 22 and arc formation, such as the pattern shown in FIG. If the voltage level and duration are not reduced during the corona event, this means that arc formation has not been detected. Therefore, at the next corona event, the voltage should be increased to favor the realization of the ideal pattern. If the voltage level and / or duration is significantly reduced, the voltage level of the next corona event should be reduced to reduce the amount of arc formation. All changes in voltage level, current level and duration should be limited by externally defined minimum and maximum values set according to engine and igniter geometry and engine operating conditions.

  Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (32)

A colonization system,
A corona igniter that receives energy and provides a corona discharge during multiple corona events, each corona event including a continuous time from a start time to a stop time;
The colonization system is
A driver circuit for providing the energy to the coronator during the corona event, the energy comprising at least one of a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined current level;
The driver circuit obtains information related to the corona discharge of at least one of the corona events, the information including any occurrence timing of arc formation for the start time of the corona event and two consecutive arcs. The duration between occurrences of formation, the number of occurrences of the arc formation over a period during the corona event, the occurrence timing of the arc formation relative to the stop time of the corona event, and the occurrence of the arc formation during the corona event. At least one of a total number of occurrences and the voltage level supplied to the coronator at the stop time of the corona event;
The colonization system is
The control unit further includes a control unit that receives the information related to the corona discharge from the driver circuit, the control unit based on the information related to the corona discharge and at least one of the predetermined voltage level and the predetermined current level. Adjust the
The driver circuit applies at least one of the adjusted predetermined voltage level and the adjusted predetermined current level to the coronator during at least one subsequent corona event, and the information is acquired at least A colonization system that is not applied before the stop time of one of the corona events.   The colony ignition according to claim 1, wherein the driver circuit detects any occurrence of arc formation from the colony igniter and does not provide energy to the colony igniter for a duration immediately following any occurrence of the arc formation. system. Providing energy to the coronator at the predetermined voltage level and the predetermined current level during at least one of the corona events;
Receiving a power control signal comprising at least one of the adjusted predetermined voltage level and the adjusted predetermined current level from the control unit;
The coronation of claim 1, comprising a power source that applies at least one of the adjusted predetermined voltage level and the adjusted predetermined current level to the coronator during at least one subsequent corona event. system. A colonization system,
A corona igniter that receives energy and emits an electric field during multiple corona events, each corona event continuously extending from a start time to a stop time;
The colonization system is
Further comprising a driver circuit for supplying the energy to the coronator during the corona event;
The driver circuit detects any occurrence of arc formation from the coronator and does not provide energy to the coronator for a predetermined duration immediately after any occurrence of arc formation;
The driver circuit obtains information about any occurrence of arc formation during at least one of the corona events, the information including any occurrence timing of the arc formation relative to the start time of the corona event, and two The duration between successive occurrences of the arc formation, the number of occurrences of the arc formation over a period during the corona event, the occurrence timing of the arc formation relative to the stop time of the corona event, and the At least one of the total number of occurrences of the arc formation and the voltage level supplied to the coronator at the stop time of the corona event;
The colonization system is
And a control unit receiving the information related to any occurrence of the arc formation during the one corona event from the driver circuit, the control unit based on the information related to the corona discharge. Adjusting the predetermined duration not providing energy to the igniter,
The driver circuit applies the adjusted predetermined duration to a time during which at least one subsequent corona event does not provide energy to the corona igniter and the information of the at least one corona event from which the information was obtained. A colonization system that does not apply before the stop time. A colonization system,
A corona igniter that receives energy and emits an electric field during multiple corona events, each corona event continuously extending from a start time to a stop time;
The colonization system is
Further comprising a driver circuit for supplying the energy to the coronator during the corona event;
The driver circuit obtains information related to any occurrence of arc formation during at least one of the corona events, the information including any occurrence timing of the arc formation relative to the start time of the corona event; The duration between two successive occurrences of the arc formation, the number of occurrences of the arc formation over a period during the corona event, the occurrence timing of the arc formation relative to the stop time of the corona event, and the corona event At least one of the number of occurrences of the arc formation and the voltage level supplied to the coronator at the stop time of the corona event,
The colonization system is
Receiving from the driver circuit the information related to any occurrence of the arc formation during the one corona event, and adjusting the predetermined duration based on the information related to the corona discharge and at least one subsequent A colonization system further comprising a control unit that applies the adjusted predetermined duration in a coronal event and not before the stop time of the at least one corona event from which the information was acquired.   6. The colony ignition according to claim 5, wherein the driver circuit detects any occurrence of arc formation from the colony igniter and does not provide energy to the colony igniter for a duration immediately after each occurrence of the arc formation. system.   The control unit starts the corona event at the start time, stops the corona event at the stop time, and based on the information related to the corona discharge, the stop time of the at least one subsequent corona event. The colonization system according to claim 5, wherein the gap is adjusted. A control method for a colonization system,
Providing energy to the coronator during a plurality of corona events, the energy having at least one of a predetermined voltage level and a predetermined current level, each corona event ranging from a start time to a stop time. Including duration,
The method
Obtaining information related to the corona discharge of at least one of the corona events, the information comprising: any occurrence timing of arc formation relative to the start time of the corona event; and two consecutive arc formations. The duration of the arc formation, the number of occurrences of the arc formation over a period during the corona event, the occurrence timing of the arc formation relative to the stop time of the corona event, and the occurrence of the arc formation during the corona event. At least one of a total number of times and the voltage level supplied to the coronator at the stop time of the corona event;
The method
Adjusting at least one of the predetermined voltage level and the predetermined current level based on the information related to the corona discharge;
Applying at least one of the adjusted predetermined voltage level and the adjusted predetermined current level to the coronator during at least one subsequent corona event, the at least one corona event from which the information was obtained; The control method of the colony ignition system further comprising a step of not applying before the stop time.   9. The method of claim 8, comprising detecting any occurrence of arc formation from the coronator during the corona event and not providing energy to the coronator for a duration immediately after each occurrence of the arc formation. .   The method of claim 9, wherein detecting the occurrence of the arc formation includes identifying a change in a vibration period of a resonant frequency of the coronator.   9. The method of claim 8, comprising storing at least one of the predetermined voltage level and the predetermined current level, wherein the adjusting step includes adjusting at least one of the stored levels. the method of.   The method of claim 8, comprising adjusting at least one of the predetermined voltage level and the predetermined current level based on the information obtained from the plurality of corona events.   9. The method of claim 8, comprising reducing at least one of the predetermined voltage level and the predetermined current level by a factor based on the information about the corona discharge after the one corona event.   9. The method of claim 8, comprising increasing at least one of a volume and the duration of the corona discharge during the at least one subsequent corona event as a result of the adjusting step. Where each corona event is
Transmitting a command signal from the control unit to the driver circuit to activate the driver circuit;
Communicating a power control signal from the control unit to a power supply in response to the enable signal;
Transferring energy from the power source to the driver circuit in response to the power control signal,
Delivering the energy to the coronator including providing energy from the driver circuit to the coronator so that the coronator provides a corona discharge in response to the command signal;
Detecting any occurrence of arc formation using the driver circuit;
Obtaining the information related to the corona discharge performed by the driver circuit;
Communicating a feedback signal from the driver circuit to the control unit during the corona event, the feedback signal indicating any occurrence of arc formation, and each corona event is
In response to the feedback signal, transmitting a command signal from the control unit to the driver circuit to instruct the driver circuit not to provide energy to the coronator at the duration;
Communicating a feedback signal from the driver circuit to the control unit along with the information related to the corona discharge of the at least one corona event;
Providing energy to the coronator during at least one subsequent corona event, wherein the energy provided during the at least one subsequent corona event is the adjusted voltage level and the adjusted 9. The method of claim 8, comprising at least one of the current levels.   Obtaining the information about the corona discharge, based on the information related to the corona discharge, the voltage level, the current level, the duration during which no energy is provided to the coronator, and at least one of Adjusting at least one of the duration of the corona event during the corona event.   Adjusting the voltage level during one corona event; obtaining the adjusted voltage level at the stop time of the one corona event; and based on the information related to the corona discharge. 17. The method of claim 16, comprising adjusting the predetermined voltage level applied to a corona event, wherein the information includes the voltage level at the stop time of the one corona event. A control method for a colonization system,
Providing energy to the corona igniter during multiple corona events, each corona event including a continuous duration from a start time to a stop time;
The method
Detecting any occurrence of arc formation from the coronator during the corona event;
Not providing energy to the coronator for a duration immediately following any occurrence of arc formation;
Obtaining information related to the corona discharge of at least one of the corona events, the information comprising any occurrence timing of arc formation for the start time of the corona event and two consecutive arcs. The duration between occurrences of formation, the number of occurrences of the arc formation over a period during the corona event, the occurrence timing of the arc formation relative to the stop time of the corona event, and the occurrence of the arc formation during the corona event. At least one of a total number of occurrences and the voltage level supplied to the coronator at the stop time of the corona event;
The method
Adjusting the duration during which no energy is provided to the coronator based on the information related to the corona discharge;
Apply the adjusted predetermined duration that no energy is provided to the coronator during at least one subsequent corona event and not before the stop time of the at least one corona event from which the information was acquired A control method for a colonization system, further comprising a step. The corona igniter emits a corona discharge before the first occurrence of the arc formation,
Providing no energy to the coronator includes dissipating the arc formation and providing energy to the coronator to resume the corona discharge immediately after the duration of not providing energy to the coronator. 19. The method of claim 18, comprising the step of:   The method of claim 18, comprising storing the duration that no energy is supplied to the colony igniter, wherein the adjusting step includes adjusting the stored predetermined duration.   The method of claim 18, comprising adjusting the predetermined duration based on the information obtained from the plurality of corona events.   The method of claim 18, comprising increasing the predetermined duration that no energy is supplied to the coronator by a factor based on information about the corona discharge.   The method of claim 18, comprising increasing at least one of a volume and the duration of the corona discharge during the at least one subsequent corona event as a result of the adjusting step.   The method of claim 18, wherein detecting the occurrence of arc formation includes identifying a change in a vibration period of a resonant frequency of the coronator. Where each corona event is
Communicating a command signal from the control unit to the driver circuit to activate the driver circuit;
Transmitting a power control signal from the control unit to a power source in response to the enable signal;
Transferring energy from the power source to the driver circuit in response to the power control signal,
Transferring the energy to the coronator includes providing energy from the driver circuit to the coronator in response to the command signal such that the coronator provides a corona discharge;
Detecting any occurrence of arc formation using the driver circuit; obtaining the information about the arc formation performed by the driver circuit;
Communicating a feedback signal from the driver circuit to the control unit during the corona event, the feedback signal indicating any occurrence of arc formation;
Each corona event is
In response to the feedback signal, transmitting a command signal from the control unit to the driver circuit to instruct the driver circuit not to provide energy to the coronator at the duration;
Conveying the feedback signal from the driver circuit to the control unit along with the information about the corona discharge;
Providing the energy to the coronator during at least one subsequent corona event and applying the adjusted predetermined duration of not providing energy to the coronator during the at least one subsequent corona event. The method of claim 18 comprising the steps of:   Obtaining the information associated with the corona discharge, and based on the information associated with the corona discharge, the voltage level, the current level, and the duration during which no energy is provided to the coronator. 19. Adjusting at least one of the durations of one of the corona events during one of the corona events. A control method for a colonization system,
Providing energy to the coronator during a plurality of corona events, each corona event comprising a continuous duration from a predetermined start time to a stop time;
The method
Obtaining information related to at least one of said corona discharges of said corona event, said information comprising the occurrence timing of said arc formation relative to said start time of said corona event and two successive arc formations. The duration of the arc formation, the number of occurrences of the arc formation over a period during the corona event, the occurrence timing of the arc formation relative to the stop time of the corona event, and the occurrence of the arc formation during the corona event. At least one of a total number of times and at least one of the voltage level and the voltage level supplied to the coronator at the stop time of the corona event;
The method
Adjusting the predetermined continuous duration based on the information related to the corona discharge;
Applying the adjusted predetermined continuous duration during at least one subsequent corona event and not before the stop time of the at least one corona event from which the information was acquired. , Control method of colonization system.   Detecting any occurrence of arc formation from the coronator during the corona event and not providing energy to the coronator for a duration immediately following any occurrence of the arc formation. 24. The method according to 24.   26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of detecting the occurrence of the arc formation includes identifying a change in a vibration period of a resonant frequency of the coronator.   25. The method of claim 24, comprising adjusting the predetermined continuous duration based on the information obtained from a plurality of the corona events. Each corona event is
Communicating a command signal from the control unit to the driver circuit to activate the driver circuit;
Transmitting a power control signal from the control unit to a power source in response to the enable signal;
Transferring energy from the power source to the driver circuit in response to the power control signal,
Transferring the energy to the coronator includes providing energy from the driver circuit to the coronator in response to the command signal such that the coronator provides a corona discharge;
Each corona event is
Detecting any occurrence of arc formation using the driver circuit;
Obtaining the information related to the corona discharge performed by the driver circuit;
Communicating a feedback signal from the driver circuit to the control unit during the corona event, the feedback signal indicating any occurrence of arc formation;
Each corona event is
In response to the feedback signal, transmitting a command signal from the control unit to the driver circuit to instruct the driver circuit not to provide energy to the coronator at the duration; and 25. The method of claim 24, comprising communicating a feedback signal along with information from the driver circuit to the control unit.   Obtaining the information related to the corona discharge, based on the information about the corona discharge, the voltage level, the current level, and the duration during which no energy is provided to the coronator. Adjusting the at least one of the durations of one of the corona events during the one of the corona events.

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